SERVICES

Advanced Surgical Services

As a regional referral practice, our veterinarians are very familiar with handling advanced surgical procedures. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced in the latest treatment options and we have the ability to provide our services on a fast and efficient basis. Packerland has invested in cutting edge technology and training so we can provide the best possible care and outcome for your pet. Our goal is to get them feeling better faster and back home where they belong!

Often associated with brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, we can surgically address and correct abnormalities such as stenotic nares (narrowed nostrils) and elongated soft palates (excess soft tissue that blocks the opening to the trachea), making the pets more comfortable and less prone to further respiratory concerns.

Some conditions can be difficult to treat using conventional surgical methods, so we offer the practice of using liquid nitrogen to cool an area very quickly, causing the targeted cells to die off. This offers treatment for various tumors, fistulae and skin conditions where management is more appropriate than removal.

Some pets form stones in their bladder which become a source of irritation, infection and potential blockage. We can remove these stones directly from the bladder and send them out for analysis to help prevent reoccurrence.

Pets that have abnormal ear conformation, chronic otitis (infection) or ear tumors can require the need for surgical intervention in order to alleviate their symptoms and pain. We can perform several different procedures from hematoma treatment to lateral ear resection, ablation and full bullae osteotomy. Selection of the appropriate procedure is based upon the type and severity of the problem present in each individual patient.

When other diagnostic options are inconclusive, some patients require abdominal surgery on an “exploratory” basis. Most often, findings in these pets include tumors, both benign and cancerous, and presence of foreign bodies in the GI tract. We can subsequently take biopsies or remove foreign objects or tumors as needed.

If your pet has ingested an object that becomes stuck, he/she will likely need a surgical procedure to remove it. Foreign objects can be localized to the stomach or intestine or sometimes both. If an object has been stuck in one area too long or has caused additional damage, as is often seen in linear foreign bodies, we may need to perform an intestinal resection where we remove the damaged portion of the intestine and reconnect healthy tissue.

GDV is a life-threatening emergency which occurs when the stomach bloats and then twists upon itself. Typically GDV patients have very tell-tale symptoms of dry-heaving with a bloated appearance and a simple x-ray will confirm the diagnosis. If the stomach is not quickly decompressed and then surgically untwisted, blood supply may be cut off causing tissue death. Even with immediate care, patients typically have a 50% survival rate.

A hernia is an abnormal opening in the body wall that allows organs or tissue to bulge through. The protruding tissues are replaced to their normal area and the hole is closed via a variety of methods. Diaphragmatic hernias (hole between the chest and abdomen) are particularly tricky as patients require ventilation during surgery to keep the lungs inflated while the organs are removed from the chest.

Often seen in older, large breed dogs, laryngeal paralysis presents as raspy or difficulty breathing and occurs when the larynx does not open and close properly. Medical management is not typically effective long-term in these patients and we have various surgical methods to ease breathing and provide comfort.

Defined as the removal of one or more of the mammary glands, a mastectomy can involve removing a singular small lump or even the full mammary chain. Histopathology is important to determine type of tumor and overall prognosis following surgery.

When kidney function is seriously compromised due to a tumor, bleeding from trauma, persistent infection, chronic disease unilaterally or obstruction of the ureter, surgical removal of a kidney may be necessary.

A frustrating condition common in German Shepherds, perianal fistulas often present as painful defecation, draining tracts around the anal opening and odor. Standard treatment includes removal of all affected tissue, but without damage to the muscles and nerves that control fecal continence. Given the location, this disease is very difficult to cure and may require multimodal management via anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, removal of anal glands, surgical debridement of affected tissues and cryosurgical treatment.

A "PU" surgery is typically performed when a male cat has severe and life-threatening issues with urinary blockage. The procedure removes the penis and utilizes the larger urethral diameter upstream to create a larger opening, lessening the chance of future obstruction.

Often known as PRAA, this is a congenital abnormality of the blood vessels of the heart which can severely affect function of the esophagus. Regurgitation of solid food in a weaned puppy or kitten is a primary indicator of this condition which must be corrected by surgical constriction of the abnormal vessel.

PDA is a congenital heart defect that allows blood to flow through the heart in an abnormal pattern, causing heart failure. A surgical procedure is required to close the vessel, which corrects the blood flow and allows the patient to live a normal life.

As a pet ages, hormone levels fluctuate which creates an environment in the uterus that makes it more prone to infection. Pyometra is a serious and life-threatening condition and necessitates emergency surgical intervention.

Usually appearing as a swelling behind the lower jaw, a Salivary Mucocoele is the collection of saliva beneath the skin from a rupture of a duct of the one of the salivary glands. Simple draining of the fluid will not solve the problem and pets often require surgical removal of the affected gland to resolve the issue.

Just as in people, pets can live a normal life without a spleen. Surgical removal of the spleen is performed for many reasons, but most commonly due to the presence of tumors. We utilize histopathology following surgery to determine the type of tumor present and the patient's overall prognosis.

Defined as a surgical procedure that gives access to the chest cavity, Thoracotomy can be performed for many reasons. The procedure is done to give access to the heart or lungs for biopsy or removal of a mass or in order to perform various heart procedures.

Most often used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats and thyroid tumors in dogs, Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of one or more of the thyroid glands. While not the first choice in treatment for hyperthyroidism, Thyroidectomy can be used to successfully treat the disease in cats.

Packerland Veterinary Center

121 Packerland Dr.
Green Bay, WI 54303

Located across from the main post office with easy access from the interstate and Hwy 29.